East Lothian Council is looking for people to become a friendly support for adoptive families through its Parent Partner project.
Parent Partners build strong relationships with adoptive families and become someone they can turn to. They offer calm insight and understanding to help navigate family life and act as a trusted adult who offers time out for a child or young person when it’s needed.
While Parent Partners can come from all walks of life, many are themselves adoptive parents, foster carers, teachers, social workers or others who have direct experience working with children and young people.
The council’s Adoption team offers extensive support to Parent Partners from initial enquiry through to working with an adoptive family. It’s a paid position, reflecting the important role they play for the families they are involved with.
The service launched in 2024. Sharing their perspective, one Parent Partner commented: “Being a parent partner has been a truly rewarding experience. Supporting a family in need and building a meaningful connection with a child over time has been incredibly fulfilling. Welcoming them into my home and introducing them to my family has had a positive impact on the child, and I know it’s also provided valuable respite for their parent.
“The support I’ve received throughout, from initial training to ongoing supervision, has made me feel confident and well-equipped in the role."
Creating strong bonds
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “Family life can be fun, rewarding and challenging and, for our adoptive families, there can be additional considerations.
“Despite what our children think, parents don’t always have all the answers and having some outside perspective can be incredibly helpful. Our parent partners provide vital support to both parents and their children creating strong bonds that benefit all involved.
“Many of our adoption team members are themselves adoptive families so they understand well how to support all of the people involved. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to speak to them and find out more about this very worthwhile project.”
To find out more call 01620 827 643 or visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/parent-partner